The seller states that if we ignore the tires and battery, this 1985 Pontiac Trans Am is an original and unmolested survivor with 32,000 miles on the clock. It isn’t perfect, but it is a highly optioned classic with the range-topping V8 under the hood. It needs little to lift its presentation to a higher level, making it tempting for anyone seeking an affordable and straightforward project candidate. The Trans Am is listed here on Craigslist in Surprise, Arizona. The seller set their price at $16,500 OBO, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder numskal for spotting this beauty.

Pontiac introduced the Third Generation Firebird range in 1982, with the car undergoing minor cosmetic changes during its first few production years. Our feature car rolled off the line in 1985, with the original owner ordering it in desirable Dark Red Metallic. As we will see as we delve deeper, the paint shade isn’t the only alluring aspect of this car. It has spent its life in the dry Arizona climate, which has done a fantastic job preserving the steel and leaving this classic rust-free. However, that climate type can sometimes take a toll elsewhere, and this Pontiac is no exception. The paint has baked in a few areas, and while a complete repaint probably isn’t warranted, some horizontal surfaces, like the hood, would benefit from a refresh. The original owner ordered this Trans Am with the optional T-Top, and like the remaining tinted glass, its condition is excellent. The plastic has survived without significant deterioration, and the car retains its original 16″ “Turbo” wheels.

Piecing together the supplied photos reveals a Trans Am with an original and unmolested interior in excellent condition for a vehicle from this period. The cloth and vinyl upholstered surfaces are free from wear, although the driver’s seat base looks discolored. This may be nothing but a trick of the light, but a professional might be able to address any confirmed problems. The carpet is spotless, and plastic items like the dash and console haven’t suffered at the hands of UV rays. However, I mentioned the desirability of certain aspects of this classic, and the interior delivers on that promise courtesy of a long list of factory options. Front-seat occupants sink back into the luxury of Lear Siegler buckets, with the back seat sporting matching deluxe trim. Air conditioning keeps life cool on hot days, while the list extends to power windows, power locks, a remote hatch release, power mirrors, cruise control, a rear defogger, a roof console, a tilt wheel, a vast selection of courtesy lights, and a premium AM/FM stereo radio/cassette player with a subwoofer.

Please don’t go anywhere because I haven’t finished reeling off the options that make this Trans Am attractive. The original owner splashed $695 on the range-topping LB9 version of the 305ci V8. This motor churns out 205hp and 270 ft/lbs of torque, which feeds to the limited-slip rear end via a four-speed automatic transmission. The car features power assistance for the steering and four-wheel disc brakes, with the WS6 package adding suspension upgrades, making this a sure-footed handler. The ¼-mile ET of 16 seconds might not sound exciting in an era when many family cars can achieve or beat that figure, but that time and a top speed of 146mph were both considered impressive in 1985. The seller says the Trans Am has a genuine 32,000 miles on the clock, and they may hold verifying evidence in the comprehensive collection of original documentation. The new owner receives the original Window Sticker, Owner’s Manual, Warranty Book, and Delivery Checklist with the Dealer’s Car attached. The Trans Am runs and drives as it should, although the listing suggests it needs tires, and a few minor items require attention before it achieves perfection.

Okay, it’s time for the million-dollar question. What would you do with this 1985 Trans Am if you were to find it parked in your garage? Would you preserve it as a genuine survivor? Or would addressing its cosmetic shortcomings prove irresistible? Recent sales results suggest the price is in the ballpark for a low-mileage survivor, although the cosmetic flaws undermine the value slightly. It has been on the market for over ten days, and it is unclear how flexible the seller is on their price. It might be worth asking the question if this Trans Am ticks the boxes because today might be your lucky day.